Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library — Attraction in Clarksburg

I just read The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians by James Patterson & Matt Eversmann. It was a great read & unfortunately just verified what I've always known about our local library, there is no sense of welcome or any sense of Community or gee we love seeing you walk thru our doors. The only greeting I get is from the security guards, but none stay long.There is nothing to guard from what I see as they have ran everyone off.There is no longer a seating area downstairs to just sit hang out and read.So sad after reading about all the wonderful things that take place across the US in libraries & book stores where they love interaction with the patrons getting to know them! And homeless people are welcome! I usually come in about every 2 to 3 wks, I pick books quickly and leave as soon as possible. I have been coming here for 40+ yrs. Noone knows my name- I have tried starting a conversation to no avail.The only friendly person in this library is a gentleman that has been here for years, He always speaks and is very pleasant. I brought my grandson that we are raising in when he was 5 and got his 1st library card,he was SO excited but the lady was not warm or friendly toward him.I ask if they had a bag that he could put his books in,we were offered a flimsy plain bag that we pd $5 for. I made a suggestion it would be great if they had a special bag for children,I received a grunt in response.When I brought him in last yr to look for reading books for his grade level, the lady clearly did not want to get up from the desk to show us where they were. Speaking of which it would be interesting to know why the circular desk was removed? It was clear due to Covid that they loved sitting behind the glass area where they had super limited contact with patrons. All I heard was grumbling when they had to come sit at the desk area.My now 7 yr old grandson is very friendly and loves to chat about whatever he has found to check out.No one has ever actively engaged in conversation with him period. I wanted this library to be a special place for him,he's a child I could have only hoped he would receive different treatment,but that will never be, so sad.Thankfully he loves the Librarian Mr Bond at his school!! I was standing waiting to ck out, and a lady from the women's auxiliary, I believe was telling me about the upcoming Easter Egg hunt- Noone working at the library ever shares any info! I had another lady share info about Lego Day. I have returned a children's book that had the wrong cover on the outside,I explained the situation and was told well I dont know what to do about it???? What you've worked here for years. I've returned new books that were falling apart,I paper clipped it together,same response well I don't know what I could do... I hope these librarians will be challenged to read this book and think about the joy that comes from knowing your patrons,being friendly and warm.Especially toward children as reading can change lives on so many levels!!! My husband picked up some books for me last year and he was appalled at how poorly a couple that clearly had little were treated!!! Do better Clarksburg Library- it doesn't need to...

ABSOLUTELY INSULTING!!! Was going into the library today (Wednesday 10/23 approx. 1230pm) and stopped at the front door long enough to answer a text message (and stand in the shade so I could see my screen) before going into the library and silencing my phone. Hadn't even been standing there for less than 30 seconds before the security guard felt obligated to come out and HARASS me about loitering. LOITERING!!! It must've been the backpack that I was wearing, which contained my modem and router which I was also taking back to Spectrum later today. He initially acted as if I was some homeless vagrant and treated me the same! ABSOLUTELY SHAMEFUL way to treat someone. Disgusting. I've been coming to this library on and off for the better for 20 years and I've never been treated...

A little empathy goes a long way. Whether someone is there to unwind and rest, read silently, or otherwise just mind their business and aren’t causing problems for others. You can have a pretty picnic but you can’t run off everyone because you feel some type of way about them. It’s one thing to be rude and unwelcoming but this is the typical small town community resource- expect the old women to smack talk you if you stay any longer than they want you to, talking about how they don’t want you back. Well we don’t want to be around your...